News

Winter Ridgeland Life 2012-2013 is available. It’s full of information and news about happenings in our community including city events, school events, chamber of commerce events and library events. You can also find information about the city’s construction projects, new city services, FAQs about programs, recreational program information, meeting calendar, contact information for your alderman, city directory and more. We want to thank the Recreation and Parks Department sponsors for their support. Please notice their ads and logo in Ridgeland Life. View or download it here: RidgelandLife_Winter2012_13

The City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, December 4 at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Breakfast buffet begins at 7 a.m. Program that includes “Joseph…. The Christmas Story” by Southern,, award-winning playwright and actor John Maxwell begins at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are $10. You may use the form on the flyer or pick one up at the Chamber office. Mayors prayer breakfast flyer

Toys may be dropped off at the Ridgeland Police Department, 115 W. School Street, for the Holiday Toy Drive for Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. Drop off deadline is Friday, December 14. toy drive 2012

Media Release – first city government mobile app in Mississippi Ridgeland is offering a new method for its citizens to interact with departments and elected officials – a mobile app. This new service adds another channel of communication between citizens and local government to enhance public service. Download this link http://m.onetouchapp.com/app/ridgelandms from your cell phone or tablet’s web browser and follow the prompts to add it to your Home Screen. The City of Ridgeland app is designed to be compatible with all mobile devices including Apple, Android, Blackberry and Windows platforms. Be sure to share the app through the share by QR code, text or email. It’s free to subscribers.

Madison County has entered into a cooperative agreement with the City of Ridgeland to repair and improve Old Agency Road from Whipporwill Lane to Livingston Road by August 6, 2013. Madison County has agreed to reimburse the City $140,000 for this project.

The Ridgeland Area Master Plan Progress Report 2012 reveals notable projects and achievements since the RAMP’s adoption in 2008. Citizens and interested parties are invited to review the report and learn more about what the City of Ridgeland has accomplished and where the City will focus its efforts in the future. Learn more here: Media Release – RAMP Progress Report 2012. View the report here: Ridgeland Area Master Plan Progress Report 2012.

Media Release from RPD – Strickland After a robbery at the Bank Plus ATM located at 740 S. Pear Orchard Road, suspect Rachel Strickland, 34-year old resident of Madison, MS, fled the scene. After the information about her vehicle was disseminated to surrounding agencies, Madison Police Department attempted to stop her. A wreck occured at Grandview Blvd and Madison Avenue with no injuries. Strickland was booked into the Ridgeland Police Department and is being held in the Madison County Jail. Any information related to this crime should be directed to Lt. John Neal with the RPD.

Denbury Resources, Inc. has begun a geophysical survey in Madison County including the City of Ridgeland. You may see a doorhanger at your home like this: Geophysical Survey Doorhanger. This doorhanger briefly describes the survey project’s impact to residents. City officials have been in contact with Denbury and are well aware of the project. The survey activity presents no significant concerns for your safety and welfare. You may notice a low frequency sound wave from the seismic activity. Surveyors are currently working to mark receiver points, which looks like a pink paint spot on the street or on private property with a flag or stake. You may also see white flags and white paint spots on the ground to indicate vibe points. Over the next few weeks, you will see more and more activity from Denbury survey crews including the placement of red boxes and truck caravans. The City of Ridgeland will work to keep you informed when actual seismic activities will occur. As of right now, we have been informed that may occur around October 17. If they are working on your property, you will already have been contacted. You will see trucks working in the public rights-of-way in addition to private property. As always, the City of Ridgeland will work to answer your questions; however, Denbury has a local agent available to speak with you at any time during the project by calling 877-884-8134.

Ridgeland Firefighters Plan 9-11 Event. The public is invited to come out and show support of those participating in “Run to Remember”, honoring the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Read the Media Advisory for details.

Tornado Sirens Update – Expert technicians have been trying since Thursday to find the source of a malfunctioning problem with the tornado sirens in Ridgeland. Since the sirens are passing all tests, the Ridgeland Police Department is suspecting tampering. Ridgeland police have the ability to track codes that turn the sirens on and off. The situation is under investigation.

Please be aware of the following: the tornado sirens in Ridgeland will be turned on at approximately 12 noon today, Saturday, September 1, and then they will be turned off in order to avoid alarming residents. If there is a threat of a tornado, the sirens will be manually turned back on. Additional experts will arrive on Tuesday to inspect the sirens. City officials apologize for any inconvenience that this is causing residents, visitors and businesses in Ridgeland.

Traffic has been backing up at the Old Agency ramp at I-55. See this PSA for tips to avoid congestion in this area. Please be patient with your fellow drivers as we all learn how to get around our new roadways and improved ramps and intersections.

Two new left turn lanes are open for your use from Old Agency Road onto Sunnybrook Road. See this PSA for some travel tips.

The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting a recent increase in the number of cases of West Nile virus infection in Mississippi. Please take precautions to protect yourself, your home and your community. View some tips: Fight the Bite. You may also view this video for more information.

Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s July 4th Independence Day celebration. However, did you know that the possession and use of fireworks of any kind is illegal in the city of Ridgeland? According to Ridgeland Code, Section 3301.1.3, the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Please avoid starting a fire and any injuries to person or property by leaving the fireworks to the professionals. Come out and enjoy our fireworks display instead. The City of Ridgeland’s Celebrate America Balloon Glow will be held on Friday, June 29. Read the Public Service Announcement PSA Fireworks Law

Free Junior Ranger Programs are held in Ridgeland this summer! Nature Bingo is scheduled for Saturday, June 30 at the information cabin from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. View July programs here: Junior Ranger July 2012 Ridgeland

Household Hazardous Waste Day is set for Saturday, May 19 from 8 am. to 12 noon. Bring your hazardous items and electronics to Holmes Community College, 412 Ridgeland Avenue. See the flyer for a detailed listing of acceptable and non-acceptable items.

Paula W. Tierce

Paula W. Tierce, PHR has been hired as the City Clerk of the City of Ridgeland. She has served as the city’s Human Resources Director since August 2005. Tierce will remain the Human Resources Director while also performing duties of the City Clerk. Her new title is City Clerk/Human Resources Director. See news release: Tierce Hired as New City Clerk

Join Mississippi business professionals as they gather for two days of networking at the 1st Annual Small Business Summit. This event will be held on April 25 & 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Northpark Mall. Come for great information including: resources for starting a small business, women/minority business development, restaurant space open house, and free classes. If you have ever considered opening a franchise and being your own boss, now is your chance! Call 601-956-3438 for details. See flyer: Small Business Summit

Fire hydrant maintenance planned for April and May in Ridgeland The Ridgeland Fire Department will be conducting routine fire hydrant maintenance in all areas of the city during the months of April and May. Hydrant flushing may cause discoloration in your home’s water. This discoloration is not harmful to your health. However, please be aware that it could possibly discolor fabrics. If you run the water in your washing machine and faucet until it clears, then you can avoid damage to clothes and linens. If you have a home phone or have signed up to receive Ridgeland Alerts, you will receive a call, email, and/or text a couple of days prior to hydrant maintenance in your neighborhood. Any questions or concerns, please contact the Fire Department at 601-856-7004. Ridgeland Hydrant Maintenance

Spring 2012 issue of Ridgeland Life is now available. View it online or pick up a copy at one of over 80 locations around town.

Ridgeland expands recycling to multi-family housing. Recycling services are now being offered on site for apartment residents by the City of Ridgeland. The first multi-family development to participate in the city’s recycling program is Pear Orchard Apartments. Apartment Recycling Offered On Site in Ridgeland

Permit values are up in Ridgeland. The City of Ridgeland experienced a considerable increase in 2011 permit values over last year. Permits are issued for any new construction, renovations, and remodeling projects in Ridgeland. The increase reflects new businesses filling vacant commercial spaces, new high-value homes, and new offices and banks. Permit Values Up for 2011

Redistricting options are being considered for wards within the City of Ridgeland. Due to population changes evident in the 2010 Census, redistricting is required by law. Public hearings are set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 19 in the Board Room at Ridgeland City Hall, 304 Highway 51. Maps and demographic data are available for viewing at City Hall and online at http://ridgelandms.org/city-maps/. Maps include the existing wards, Redistricting Plan A, and Redistricting Plan B. For questions, please contact David Overby, City Clerk and Director of Finance and Administration, at 601.856.7113. PSA Redistricting in Ridgeland

The Ridgeland Recreation and Parks Department will pick up Christmas trees for recycling again this year. Collection dates are December 27-29 and January 2-6. Trees must be bare of all lights, ornaments, and nails. You may also bring your bare, unbagged tree to Freedom Ridge Park. Follow the signage to the drop-off area. Local fishermen are encouraged to pick up trees for fish habitat before January 16. Residents may pick up mulch after January 16.

Class 6 Award for NFIP Community Rating System

The City of Ridgeland was recently awarded the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating of Class 6. Successful participation by Ridgeland in the voluntary Community Rating System helps local policy holders save money with a 20% reduction in flood insurance premiums. Public information is a significant aspect of the program. Residents who live in flood hazard areas receive letters from the city advising them of their location in order to aid them in protecting their property. There are only 5 cities in Mississippi that have earned a Class 6 and only 3 Mississippi cities have earned a better rating of 5. News Release

Thank you parade participants and spectators for a wonderful Christmas parade this past Saturday afternoon. It was beautiful weather and a festive occasion for the season. Stay tuned for photos from the parade posted here and on the city’s facebook page.

Ridgeland Life Winter 2011 2012 is full of information about events scheduled for the next 3 months (December – February) and recent news. Ridgeland Life is a source of city and community information, news, and upcoming events. Recreation and Parks programs and events, schools in Ridgeland, the Ridgeland Public Library, the City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, and the Ridgeland Tourism Commission are featured. Advertisements and logos from sponsors of Ridgeland Recreation and Parks are included.

City of Ridgeland Community Awareness Committee members made a presentation to the Jackson Association of Realtors at their October lunch meeting. Chair Peggy Gauthe and Education Representative Dawn Hall talked about the positive qualities of living in Ridgeland and the excellent education available at the public schools. L to R: Scott Higginbotham (committee recreation representative), Carla Palmer-Allen (JAR President), Dawn Hall (committee education representative), Peggy Gauthe (committee chairman), and John Brown (JAR President-Elect).

Upcoming Events

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas in Ridgeland! This is a shop local – buy local campaign, promoting our wonderful Ridgeland businesses! Visit participating merchants between Nov. 4 and Dec. 10 to be eligible to win the Grand Prize – a[...]

The Natchez Trace Parkway invites visitors to enjoy the talents and sounds of local musicians at the Parkway Information Cabin on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The Natchez Trace String[...]